Hydroculture
Are you interested in growing houseplants but do not want the mess and the hassle that goes along with it? Hydroculture may be perfect for you. Hydroculture, like hydroponics, is the method used to grow plants without the use of soil. A hydroculture system is easy to set up and even easier to use.
The First Step-Your Aggregate
The first step to setting up a hydroculture system is to purchase your aggregates (the substance that you will place your plant in), a liner, a water indicator, and an outside container. While some gardening enthusiasts prefer to use gravel or sand, fired clay pellets are the recommended aggregate in hydroculture. You simply place the pellets into water and leave them soaking overnight. For the best success, the pellets should be totally saturated with water when you place your plants in them.
The Second Step-Readying the Plants
The next step to setting up your hydroculture system is to transplant the plants that you wish to use. For beginners, it is best to use less mature plants or root cuttings, as these are much easier to transplant. You should water the plants in order to soften the soil that is surrounding the roots. You can then use a knife around the inside edge of the pot to loosen the dirt. Once the soil is completely loosened, you can gently remove the plant from the pot. You should also remove any additional particles, being careful not to injure the roots.
You should then place the plant’s roots in water that is room temperature and let them soak for several hours. This step will make it easier to remove all the dirt from the roots without damaging them in any way. When you have finished with the soaking process, you can simply rinse the rest of the dirt off the roots with warm tap water.
The Third Step-Completing the Hydroculture Setup
Now you are ready to place your plant inside your hydroculture container. You should begin by filling your liner about halfway with the aggregate. You should then run tap water over your pellets until the water that is draining out of the liner is clear. You are now ready for your plant.
You should examine the roots of your plant, making sure to prune back any of the longer ones and to remove any dead roots. You can now place your plant inside the liner and continue filling it gently with the pellets until you have reached the top. You should rinse the plant and pellets once more to remove any soil particles that have remained behind.
You can now place your indicator into the liner and place the liner into an outside container. You need to add water to your plant until the indicator is reading full. You have now finished setting up your hydroculture system.
Fertilization
Once you have set up your hydroculture system, you do not need to worry about fertilization until the water indicator is at the minimum level. To purchase the proper fertilizer, you should check with your local garden supply center. After the first time that you fertilize, your plant should be fine for another four to six months.
Hydroculture is an easy way to grow house plants that require virtually no care. If you have had bad luck in growing plants in the traditional manner, a hydroculture system may be right for you.